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The Quantum Nuggets project in conference

Quantum Nuggets : Designing phenomena that are beyond us

CERN’s experiments in particle physics research are extraordinary references and ressources for designers. They can disrupt designer’s practice and lead them to explore new paradigms based on extreme phenomena that are beyond our imagination.

Conference #1 Spacecrafts and Alien Physics in OrbitAs part of the conference cycle Distortion Series proposed by Master Media Design

Among the many inspirations that feed the field of design, those of spatial conquest and research in physics occupy a special place. First because they refer to influential imaginaries from outer space and the discovery of new frontiers, but also because of the importance they give to multiple devices: experimental machines, control interfaces, robots, architectures, spatial combinations, data visualization, etc. These are objects that designers, in their different fields, may have to design. They are also representations that provide inspiration for their practice outside of space and physics.This conference will address the reciprocal influences between designers' productions and innovation projects related to the conquest of space or research in physics. More specifically, it will first question the imaginations of space and the machines that allow it: from the most outstanding ones (ISS, LHC), to post-colonial projects (Indian Space Research Organisation, Lebanese Rocket Society), reappropriations of all kinds (Sun Ra, Association des Astronautes Autonomes), and even to the current updating of these questions through digital entrepreneurs such as Jef Bezos or Elon Musk. This conference will also give a voice to designers and artists who capture these imaginaries in their practices in fields such as interaction design, architecture, product or fashion design. Text by Nicolas Nova.

Invité-e-s :Michael Doser, Particles Physicist at CERNMonica Bello, Head of the Arts at CERN programEdda Gschwendtner, Head of the AWAKE experiment at CERN Ewen Chardronnet, Artist, writer and curatorNicolas Nova, Researcher in digital and new media practices Christophe Kihm, Researcher and curator Gilles Jobin, Director of dance company Laura Couto Rosado, Artist and media designer Joël Vacheron, Researcher and writerZara Arshad, Curatorial Research Assistant in the Design, Architecture and Digital department at the V&A.